Spot-cultivation system

ABSTRACT

This invention relates to a spot-cultivation system. In particular, it is envisaged that the spot-cultivation system will be most commonly used in situations where a defined area of ground is required to be prepared prior to the planting of individual seedling trees. According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a spot-cultivation system including an accessory (1) for spot-cultivation, attachment apparatus capable of attaching the accessory to a vehicle, and at least two ground-working devices (4, 5) held in a fixed relationship to each other so that the area of ground worked by the devices is defined by the fixed relationship.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to a spot-cultivation system.

In particular, it is envisaged that the spot-cultivation system will bemost commonly used in situations where a defined area of ground isrequired to be prepared prior to the planting of individual seedlingtrees. However, the present invention could have application outsidethis field.

BACKGROUND ART

Present cultivating systems are frequently designed to be attached to atractor, bulldozer or other excavating vehicles.

Typically, the use of these vehicles results in extra and unnecessarydamage to the area being cultivated. Movement of the vehicles backwardsand forwards across the area may lead to undesirable compaction of theground, unnecessary damage to other vegetation, or cultivation of groundwhich is not required to be planted. As a result, planted seedlings mayhave difficulty becoming established because compacted ground stiflesroot growth; loss of other vegetation removes protection for seedlingsfrom frosts, wind or sun; over-cultivation of the ground may mixinfertile subsoils with topsoils depleting the availability of nutrientsto the plants; and exposed earth may be subject to erosion by wind andrain.

In addition, many cultivating systems are designed for flat areas suchas paddocks, playing fields, etc. Typically, the entire surface of theground is cultivated--often for planting crops or grass species.Frequently, multiple ground-working tools are incorporated in anarrangement which is towed by a vehicle, such as a tractor. Such systemsare not designed for and are not capable of cultivating small patches ofground in preparation for single plants.

Further, the cultivating system is frequently towed around the area tobe cultivated and the ground-working tools act on the ground in a setsequence. There is often no provision for a particular tool toindependently pass over the same ground a number of times to ensureoptimum preparation of the ground by that tool. Frequently, the entirecultivating apparatus may have to re-work over the same patch of groundto satisfactorily prepare that ground for plants or seeds.

Systems which are capable of cultivating small patches of groundtypically incorporate a single ground-working tool. Often singleground-working tools perform a particular function and act on the groundin a particular way. As a result, separate ground-working tools may haveto be fitted and removed according to the stage of preparation of theground at a particular site. This may be a costly procedure in terms ofoperator time and the necessity of having to carry several differentground-working tools.

Further, many present cultivating systems are incapable of preparing theground to the precise requirements for individual plant species--such asseedling trees, on a commercially viable, efficient, consistent and costeffective basis.

After the ground has been cultivated, further preparation of the groundprior to planting of plants may require separate fertiliser andherbicide applications. These separate applications increase the timetaken for the ground to be prepared; may involve costs associated withusing separate attachments or separate vehicles; may be labourintensive; and may result in wastage of fertiliser and herbicide appliedto a wider area than is required.

In addition, fertilisers applied to the top of the ground may be blownaway, or leach faster as a result of exposure to the weather. Therefore,additional machinery may be required to work the fertiliser into theground.

Similarly, systems which require that fertilisers or herbicide beapplied after planting has occurred are also time consuming, may involvethe use of extra machinery, and may result in inaccurate applicationsnegatively affecting, rather than promoting growth of the preferredplants.

It is an object of the present invention to address the foregoingproblems or at least to provide the public with a useful choice.

Further aspects and advantages of the present invention will becomeapparent from the ensuing description which is given by way of exampleonly.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided aspot-cultivation system including an accessory for spot-cultivation,attachment apparatus capable of attaching the accessory to a vehicle,and at least two ground-working devices held in a fixed relationship toeach other so that the area of ground worked by the devices is definedby the fixed relationship.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided aspot-cultivation system substantially as described above whereinoperation of the distributing apparatus enables measured amounts ofsubstances, in granular or pellet form, to be transferred from areservoir in said distributing apparatus and be incorporated into theground during preparation of the ground prior to planting seedlingplants.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided aspot-cultivation system substantially as described above wherein thespot-cultivation system also incorporates spraying apparatus capable ofspraying fluids around and onto the prepared ground.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided amethod of spot-cultivation of the ground prior to planting seedlingplants using a spot-cultivation system substantially as described abovewherein the spot-cultivation involves the use of ripping apparatus,rake-mounding apparatus, distributing apparatus and spraying apparatus.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention the spot-cultivationsystem includes an accessory which is capable of being attached to ahydraulic powered arm of an excavator. Excavators are able to be used inground preparation operations in ways which minimise unnecessarydisturbance to the ground.

However, in some embodiments of the present invention, thespot-cultivation system may also be attached to a bulldozer, tractor, orbe adapted to be attached to other vehicles.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention the accessory of thespot-cultivation system is attached to a vehicle by adapting apparatusin combination with appropriately positioned apertures and removablefastening apparatus.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention the adapting apparatusis capable of receiving the free distal end portion of the arm of anexcavator, or an appropriate structure of other vehicles. Thus, theadapting apparatus is capable of effectively fitting the accessory ofthe spot-cultivation system to the arm of an excavator.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention the removablefastening apparatus are capable of passing through both the apertures ofthe adapting apparatus and the apertures on the structure of the vehicleto which the accessory of the spot-cultivating system is being attached.The removable fastening apparatus therefore retains the accessory inposition on the vehicle, during operation of the spot-cultivationsystem.

For ease of reference the adapting apparatus and fastening apparatusshall now be referred to as a bracket and as bolts respectively,although it should be appreciated that use of these terms is not to beseen as limiting.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention the bracket, aperturesand removable bolts of the attachment apparatus enable the accessory ofthe spot-cultivation system to be attached to the vehicle as required.This enables a vehicle to be used for a number of other functionswithout limiting its use to spot-cultivation operations alone.

In addition, the accessory of the spot-cultivation system may betransferred to another vehicle if, an excavator for example, isunavailable. The removable bolts of the attachment apparatus enables theaccessory to be attached and detached from the vehicle quickly andeasily, thereby minimising labour costs and decreasing the time taken toprepare the ground.

In some embodiments of the present invention however, the accessory ofthe spot-cultivation system may be permanently fixed to a vehicle, ormay be attached by other suitable attachment means adapted for use withthe spot-cultivation system.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention the accessory of thespot-cultivation system includes at least two ground-working devices.Having two ground-working devices incorporated into the one accessoryobviates problems of having to attach and detach individualground-working devices required to accomplish different groundpreparation operations. Such problems include increased time spent onpreparing the machinery for ground cultivation, and problems of safetyrelating to the lifting and manoeuvring heavy ground-working deviceswhen attaching and detaching individual devices to a vehicle. Inaddition, having two ground-working devices incorporated into the oneaccessory minimises the overall time taken to cultivate the ground.

In some embodiments of the present invention there may be more than twoground-working devices incorporated into the accessory. The type andnumber of ground-working devices incorporated into the accessory may bedependent on the type of ground and the extent of ground preparationrequired.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention the fixed relationshipof the ground-working devices enables the area of the ground worked bythe devices to be defined according to the height and angle ofattachment of each ground-working device relative to the other. Thus,the vehicle to which the accessory of the spot-cultivation system isattached may be kept stationary while the ground-working devices of theaccessory work in sequence or unison with each other to prepare theground at a particular spot.

In addition, the fixed relationship of the ground-working devicesensures that every defined area will be prepared in the same or similarway, ensuring consistency in the preparation of individuallyspot-cultivated sites.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention the fixed relationshipof the ground-working devices is capable of being adjusted to formanother fixed relationship. The height and angles of one ground-workingdevice in relation to the other may be adjusted to enable a defined areato be cultivated to a particular depth and width below ground surfaceand to a particular width and height above ground surface.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention the fixed relationshipof the ground-working devices is capable of being adjusted by use ofadjustment apparatus incorporated into the ground-working devices, inconjunction with locking apparatus. Any suitable adjustment apparatusand locking apparatus may be incorporated into, or be adapted for usewith the ground-working devices of the spot-cultivation system.

In some embodiments of the present invention the relationship of theground-working devices to each other may be variable depending on thetype of ground-working devices, the number of ground-working devicesused and on the particular ground preparation requirements.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention the ground-workingdevices of the spot-cultivation system include ripping apparatus andrake-mounding apparatus. These devices are particularly suited tospot-cultivation of an area of ground. However, other ground-workingdevices may be used depending on the type of ground being prepared andthe purpose for which the ground is being prepared.

A range of ripping apparatus are generally known in the prior art. Theripping apparatus is particularly useful for situations where the soiltypes are compacted and hard to cultivate. In addition, the rippingapparatus is capable of ripping the soil to a required depth and width,in such a way that the area being cultivated is clearly defined.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention the ripping apparatusof the spot-cultivation system incorporates a body, a leading portionand a protrusion.

For ease of reference the body, leading portion and protrusion shall nowbe referred to as the shaft, leading edge and wing respectively,although it should be appreciated that use of these terms is not to beseen as limiting.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention the shaft issubstantially straight. Having a substantially straight shaft minimisesundue resistance that the shaft may otherwise encounter as the shaftmoves through the ground. However, in other embodiments of the presentinvention the shaft of the ripping apparatus may be otherwise configuredto include ripples, and so forth, and may depend upon the structure ofthe ground being prepared.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention the free distal endportion of the shaft, closest to the ground, is substantially tapered toenable the ripping apparatus to more easily rip into the ground.However, the free distal end portion of the shaft may also bedifferently configured to enable the ripping apparatus to functioneffectively in different types of ground.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention the leading edge ofthe ripping apparatus is substantially tapered to enable the shaft ofthe ripping apparatus to more effectively slice through the ground.However, the leading edge of the shaft may also be squared or rounded,and so forth, depending on the type and structure of the ground beingprepared.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention the wing of theripping apparatus is rigid and projects from all faces of the shaft, toensure greater disturbance of the ground around the shaft of the rippingapparatus, than could be accomplished by a straight shaft alone.

However, in other embodiments of the present invention the rippingapparatus may incorporate shafts, leading edges and wings of differingdimensions depending upon the structural features of the ground beingprepared, the area of ground being prepared and the purpose for whichthe ground is being prepared.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention the rake-moundingapparatus is configured to enable the ground to be both raked andmounded, using the same apparatus.

Separate raking and mounding apparatus are also known in the prior art.However, in preferred embodiments of the present invention therake-mounding apparatus of the spot-cultivation system incorporates atleast one pair of raking tynes and at least one pair of mounding tynesadapted for raking and mounding a defined area of ground previouslyworked by the ripping apparatus. The number and proportions of theraking tynes and the mounding tynes in the one apparatus, determines thewidth of the raked area and the height of the mounded earth.

Raking of the ground, loosened by the ripping apparatus, assists in thebreak-down of compacted soils to a looser consistency, more suitable forgrowing plants. Mounding of the soil contributes to the protection ofplanted seedlings against the effects of frosts. On frosty days the airand ground surface temperatures are typically lower than the temperatureof the soil just below the surface of the ground. Mounding of the soilaround a seedling plant maintains a portion of the plant within anenvironment which is substantially warmer and increases the survivalrate of seedling plants.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention the spot-cultivationsystem also incorporates distributing apparatus.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention the distributingapparatus includes attachment apparatus capable of attaching thedistributing apparatus to the rake-mounding apparatus of thespot-cultivation system, a reservoir, rotating apparatus and drivingapparatus.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention the distributingapparatus is capable of dispensing plant growth-promoting substances,such as fertilisers, and so forth, retained in the reservoir of thedistributing apparatus, onto and into the ground being prepared by theaccessory of spot-cultivation system.

For ease of reference the distributing apparatus shall now be referredto as a fertiliser box although it should be appreciated that use ofthis term is not intended to be seen as limiting.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention the fertiliser box iscapable of being removably mounted onto the rake-mounding apparatus ofthe spot-cultivation system. However, the fertiliser box may also beremovably mounted onto the bracket of the attachment apparatus of thespot-cultivation accessory, or onto another ground-working device.

Attachment of the fertiliser box onto the rake-mounding apparatus of thespot-cultivation system enables substances dispensed by the fertiliserbox to be directly incorporated into the ground, as the ground is rakedand mounded. This obviates problems of wastage of substances scatteredoutside the area surrounding the plant and reduces the possibility ofthe substances being blown away by wind, or washed away by rain. Inaddition, incorporation of growth-promoting substances into the preparedground provides planted seedlings with a more readily accessible sourceof growth-promoting substances capable of promoting healthy and vigorousplant growth.

In some embodiments of the present invention the fertiliser box may beused to distribute other substances into or onto the prepared ground.Such substances could include substances to alter the pH balance of thesoil, hormonal substances to promote root growth, essential mineralsnecessary to correct mineral imbalances in the ground, or evensubstances capable of inhibiting plant growth.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention the fertiliser box iscapable of dispensing measured amounts of growth-promoting substancesinto the spot where the soil is being cultivated by the spot-cultivationsystem.

Dispensing measured amounts of substances into the ground, again avoidswaste of the growth-promoting substances and ensures that the plant isprovided with the required amount of substances necessary for healthyand vigorous growth.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention the growth-promotingsubstances are capable of being dispensed in a granular or pelletedform. Granular or pelleted substances are capable of remaining in thesoil for longer periods of time. Granular and pelleted forms ofgrowth-promoting substances are also capable of providing a slow releaseof the components of those substances into the soil. This slow releasemay be due to the more gradual weathering of solid forms, and/or thecontrolled break- down properties of many growth-promoting substancescurrently available. The longer the soil retention time of thegrowth-promoting substances, the longer the growth-promoting substancesare available to the growing plants.

However, in other embodiments of the present invention, liquid forms ofgrowth-promoting substances may be used. This may be particularlyrelevant where only single applications of a particular substance isrequired, or ongoing exposure of the plant to a substance could provetoxic for the plant.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention the growth-promotingsubstances are dispensed from the fertiliser box through the combinedactions of driving apparatus and rotating apparatus.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention the rotating apparatusincludes a receptacle capable of being rotated between a loadingposition and a dispensing position.

For ease of reference the receptacle shall now be referred to as a drum,although use of this term should not be seen as limiting thisspecification.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention the drum is adapted toreceive granular or pelleted growth-promoting substances into a taperedrecess in the drum. Granules or pellets of growth-promoting substancesare capable of falling from the reservoir of the fertiliser box into thetapered recess of the drum, when said drum is in its loading position.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention rotation of the drumbetween a loading and dispensing position enables the growth-promotingsubstances in the tapered recess of the drum, to be dispensed into oronto the ground being prepared by the spot-cultivation system.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention the quantity ofgrowth-promoting substances dispensed, may be capable of being regulatedby the use of blocking apparatus.

For ease of reference the blocking apparatus shall now be referred to asa drum insert, although it should be appreciated that use of this termis not to be seen as limiting.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention the drum insert isadapted to fit into the tapered recess of the rotating drum, such thatvarying portions of the tapered recess are blocked from receiving thegrowth-promoting substances.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention a number ofinterchangeable drum inserts may be used according to the requiredquantity of growth-promoting substances required to be dispensed. Wherespecific quantities of concentrated growth-promoting substances arerequired to be dispensed, the drum insert may be fabricated to includediscrete-sized indentations capable of receiving lesser amounts of thegrowth-promoting substances.

Having interchangeable drum inserts increase the versatility of thefertiliser drum for use with a range of growth-promoting substances andfor use in dispensing measured quantities of growth-promoting to a rangeof plant species having different requirements for the growth-promotingsubstances.

In addition, interchangeable drum inserts obviates problems inherentwith some existing systems for dispensing growth-promoting substances,in that dispensing a measured amount avoids wastage of thegrowth-promoting substances, reduces the likelihood of plants beingadversely affected by concentrations of growth-promoting substanceswhich exceed the plant's tolerance range, and enables an operator tochange the growth-promoting substances being dispensed without the needfor time consuming alterations to the dispensing apparatus, therebyincreasing the efficiency of the ground preparing operation.

However, in other embodiments of the present invention dispensing ofmeasured amounts of growth-promoting substances may be achieved byinterchangeable rotating drums adapted to receive specific quantities ofgrowth-promoting substances in specifically shaped recesses within therotating drum. Further, measured amounts of growth-promoting substancesmay be dispensed by time-controlled opening of panels in the fertiliserbox. In addition, any other suitable rotating apparatus may be adaptedfor use with the fertiliser box of the spot-cultivation system.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention rotation of the drumbetween the loading position and dispensing position is capable of beingachieved through the action of biasing apparatus in combination with thedriving apparatus.

For ease of reference the biasing apparatus shall now be referred to asa drive chain, although it should be appreciated that the use of thisterm is not to be seen as limiting.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention the chain is capableof movement. However, any number of suitable biasing apparatus may beadapted for use with the drum of the fertiliser box. Movement of thechain in conjunction with the driving apparatus of the fertiliser box iscapable of effecting rotation of the drum.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention the driving apparatusof the fertiliser box includes motion-promoting apparatus,motion-controlling apparatus, operating apparatus and pulley apparatus.

For ease of reference the motion-promoting apparatus, themotion-controlling apparatus, the operating apparatus and pulleyapparatus shall now be referred to as a motor, a gear box, a switch anda pulley respectively, although it should be appreciated that use ofthese terms should not be seen as limiting.

Accordingly, in preferred embodiments of the present invention thedriving apparatus of the fertiliser box includes an electric-poweredmotor, a straight gear drive, a manual switch and at least a pair ofpulleys, all of which operate in conjunction with each other and thedrive chain, to activate the rotating apparatus.

However, in some embodiments of the present invention the drivingapparatus of the fertiliser box may include a battery, may incorporate a90° drive gear box, or be operated hydraulically. In addition, any othersuitable driving apparatus may be adapted for use with the fertiliserbox.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention spraying apparatus isincorporated into the bracket of the spot-cultivation system. Anysuitable of spraying apparatus may be adapted for use with thespot-cultivation system.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention the spraying apparatusis capable of dispensing growth-inhibiting fluids around each definedarea of ground prepared by the spot-cultivation system.Growth-inhibiting fluids sprayed around the prepared spot is capable ofcontrolling the growth of unwanted vegetation which may impede thegrowth of the preferred plant species planted in the prepared spot. Suchvegetation may restrict light to the preferred plant, as well as competewith the preferred plant for water, nutrients and space.

However, in other embodiments of the present invention the sprayingapparatus may be used to dispense other fluids such as liquidfertilisers, water, and so forth.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention the spraying apparatusis capable of being adjusted so that fluids sprayed by the sprayingapparatus may be directed on either or both of the prepared ground orthe area surrounding the prepared ground.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention the ripping apparatus,rake-mounding apparatus, distributing apparatus and spraying apparatusare capable of being activated by a combination of manoeuvring apparatusin conjunction with a combination of operating apparatus.

The manoeuvring apparatus includes hydraulic rams, chain or belt-drivesand pivoting systems; and the operating apparatus includes electric orpetrol driven motor, batteries, hydraulic systems, electrical circuitry,and pumping systems.

A variety of hydraulic rams, chain or belt drives, pivoting systems,motors, batteries, hydraulic systems, pumping systems, and electricalcircuitry are available in the prior art and may be adapted for use withthe spot-cultivation system as many other suitable manoeuvring and/oroperating apparatus.

In preferred embodiments of the present invention the ripping apparatus,rake-mounding apparatus, distributing apparatus and spraying apparatusof the spot-cultivation system are made of metal. Metal is durable,strong and can be moulded, welded or cut to the required shape.

However, in other embodiments of the present invention portions of thespot-cultivation system may be made of other materials. For example, thedrum of the cultivation system may be made of wood, rubber, orthermoplastic material; and the hoses of the spraying apparatus may bemade of rubber or thermoplastic material.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a spot-cultivation systemin accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, and

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the ripping apparatus of aspot-cultivation system in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention, and

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the distributing apparatusof a spot-cultivation system in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention, and

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic side cross-sectional view of the distributingapparatus of a spot-cultivation system in accordance with one embodimentof the present invention, and

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic top view of the distributing apparatus of aspot-cultivation system in accordance with one embodiment of the presentinvention, and

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a drum of a distributingapparatus of a spot-cultivation system in accordance with one embodimentof the present invention, and

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic perspective view of a drum insert of adistributing apparatus of a spot-cultivation system in accordance withanother embodiment of the present invention.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

With reference to the diagrams by way of example only there is provideda spot-cultivation system which includes an accessory generallyindicated by arrow 1 for spot-cultivation. Attachment apparatus 2 iscapable of attaching the accessory 1 to a vehicle 3. At least twoground-working devices 4 and 5 are in a fixed relationship to each otherso that the area of ground worked by the devices 4 and 5 is defined.

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the spot-cultivation systemin accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

The accessory 1 of the spot-cultivation system, such as an excavator 3,is capable of being attached to the hydraulic arm of a vehicle 3 by useof removable bolts 6.

The two ground-working devices 4 and 5, of the accessory 1 of thespot-cultivation system include ripping apparatus 4 and rake-moundingapparatus 5, at a fixed height and fixed angle in relation to each otherto optimally cultivate the ground in a defined area.

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the ripping apparatus 4 ofthe spot-cultivation system in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention. The ripping apparatus 4 comprises a wing 7 to enablegreater disturbance of the ground to a defined depth and width aroundthe ripping apparatus 4. The leading edge 8 of the ripping apparatus 4is substantially tapered to improve the movement of the rippingapparatus 4 through the ground. The free distal portion 27 of theripping apparatus 4, is also substantially tapered to improve initialpenetration of the ground by the ripping apparatus 4.

After the ground has been ripped by the ripping apparatus 4, therake-mounding apparatus 5 is used. The rake-mounding apparatus 5includes rake tines 9 which rake the earth disturbed by the rippingapparatus 4 and mounding tines 28 to mound the raked earth to a heightsuitable for planting seedling plants, such as Pinus and Eucalyptus treespecies.

The fixed relationship of the ground-working devices 4 and 5 may beadjusted to alter the depth of the rip, the depth of the rake, or theheight to which the ground is mounded. Adjustment of the fixedrelationship of the ground-working devices 4 and 5 is accomplished byuse of adjustment apparatus 10 incorporated into the ground-workingdevices 4 and 5, and locking apparatus 11, such as bolts.

The fixed positioning of the ripping apparatus 4 in relationship to therake-mounding apparatus 5, and the width of the rake-mounding apparatus5 itself, act in combination to enable the ground to be spot-cultivatedat defined spacings and in defined rows. Spot-cultivation of the groundat defined spacings and in defined rows is desired to accommodate thegrowth of seedlings planted at the prepared spot site and avoidsunnecessary disturbance to the surrounding ground.

The spot-cultivation system also incorporates distributing apparatus 12.FIGS. 3 to 5 inclusive, are diagrammatic views of the distributingapparatus 12 in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention.

For ease of reference the distributing apparatus 1 shall now be referredto as the fertiliser box, although it should be appreciated that use ofthis term is not intended to be limiting.

The fertiliser box 12 is incorporated into the rake-mounding apparatus 5via attachment apparatus 23. The fertiliser box 12 is capable of holdingamounts of granular or pelleted growth-promoting substances 13 in areservoir 14.

The reservoir 14 of the fertiliser box 12 may be filled by gripping thehandle 26 and raising the lid 24 which is hinged at 25 to the body ofthe fertiliser box 12. During operation of the spot-cultivation systemthe lid 24 is retained in a closed position by latches 27.

Measured amounts of growth-promoting substances 13 are able to bedispensed by rotating apparatus 15 in conjunction with biasing apparatus29 and driving apparatus 17 and 18 of the fertiliser box 12.

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic perspective view of the rotating drum 15 of thefertiliser box 12.

The rotating drum 15 is located in the lower portion of the fertiliserbox 12, and is capable of rotating, as illustrated by arrow 16 in FIG. 4between a loading position and a dispensing position, to dispense thegrowth-promoting substances 13 into the ground, as the ground is rakedand mounded by the rake-mounding apparatus 5.

When the rotating drum 15 is in the loading position, as shown in FIG.6, granular or pelleted growth-promoting substances 13 are transferred,by the force of gravity, from the reservoir 14 of the fertiliser box 12,across a transfer bar 22, and into a tapered recess 19 in the drum 15.

The amount of growth-promoting substance 13 may be regulated by theinsertion of a drum insert 20 into the tapered recess 19. The druminsert 20 reduces the ability of the tapered recess 19 to receivegrowth-promoting substances 13. Where more concentrated forms ofgrowth-promoting substances 13 are used, a full length bar 20 whichincorporates pockets 21 may be inserted into the tapered recess 19 tofurther control the measured quantity of growth-promoting substances 13released into the ground, as shown in FIG. 7.

Rotation of the rotating drum 15 between loading and dispensingpositions, enables the growth-promoting substances 13 held in thetapered recess 19 of the drum 15 to be dispensed into the ground.Rotation of rotating the drum 15 is accomplished by the operation ofbiasing apparatus 29 in conjunction with driving apparatus 17 and 18.

The spot-cultivation system also incorporates spraying apparatus 22 intothe attachment apparatus or bracket 22 of the accessory 1. The sprayingapparatus 27 is capable of spraying the prepared ground with fluids.

The spraying apparatus 22 is capable of being adjusted to ensureselective spraying of fluids onto and/or around the cultivated spot.

The ripping apparatus 4, rake-mounding apparatus 5, the rotating drum 15of the distributing apparatus 12 and spraying apparatus 22 of thespot-cultivation system are capable of being activated by manoeuvringapparatus in conjunction with operating apparatus of vehicle 3.

Typically, the manoeuvring apparatus includes a combination of hydraulicrams, chain or belt drives, and pivoting systems. In addition, theoperating apparatus includes a combination of electric or petrol drivenmotors, batteries, hydraulic systems, electrical circuitry, and pumpingsystems.

Aspects of the present invention have been described by way of exampleonly and it should be appreciated that modifications and additions maybe made thereto without departing from the scope thereof as defined inthe appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A spot-cultivation system including an accessoryfor spot-cultivation, comprising:attachment apparatus for attaching theaccessory to a stationary vehicle, the accessory includingat least twoground working devices held in a fixed spatial relationship to eachother to work a confined area of ground as defined by the fixedrelationship, and wherein one of said ground working devices comprises aripping apparatus and a second ground working device comprisesrake-mounding apparatus having at least one set of one or more rakingtynes, and at least one set of one or more mounding tynes, and saidraking tynes extending in a different direction relative to saidmounding tynes.
 2. A spot-cultivation system as claimed in claim 1 incombination with a stationary excavator to which said accessory isattached.
 3. A spot-cultivation system in combination with an excavatoras claimed in claim 2 wherein said accessory is attached to the freedistal end portion of a hydraulic arm of the excavator, via adaptingapparatus in combination with removable fastening apparatus.
 4. Aspot-cultivation system in combination with an excavator as claimed inclaim 3 wherein the adapting apparatus comprises a bracket.
 5. Aspot-cultivation system as claimed in claim 1 wherein the rippingapparatus incorporates a substantially straight body, a substantiallytapered leading portion and a protrusion.
 6. A spot-cultivation systemas claimed in claim 5 wherein the protrusion of the ripping apparatusprojects from all faces of the body of the ripping apparatus, to ensuregreater disturbance of the ground being prepared by the rippingapparatus.
 7. A spot-cultivation system as claimed in claim 1 whereinsaid set of raking tynes and said set of mounding tynes of saidrake-mounding apparatus are adapted for raking a defined area ofloosened ground previously worked by the ripping apparatus, and formounding that ground to a height required for planting seedling plants,respectively.
 8. A spot-cultivation system as claimed in claim 7 whereinthe raking tynes and the mounding tynes of said rake-mounding apparatusare adapted to respectively rake and mound loosened ground to a heightrequired for planting tree seedlings.
 9. A spot-cultivation system asclaimed in claim 1 wherein the height and angle of said one groundworking device in relation to said second ground working device isadjustable and then fixed in that spatial relationship to enable adefined area to be cultivated to a particular depth and particular widthbelow ground surface, and to a particular width and particular heightabove ground surface.
 10. A spot-cultivation system as claimed in claim9 wherein the fixed relationship of said two ground working devices iscapable of being adjusted between successive cultivation operations byadjustment apparatus incorporated into the ground working devices, inconjunction with locking apparatus.
 11. A spot-cultivation system asclaimed in claim 1 wherein the spot-cultivation system further comprisesdistributing apparatus.
 12. A spot-cultivation system as claimed inclaim 11 wherein said distributing apparatus is removably mounted on therake-mounding apparatus.
 13. A spot-cultivation system as claimed inclaim 12 wherein said distributing apparatus transfers measured amountsof substances, in granular or pellet form, from a reservoir in saiddistributing apparatus to be incorporated into the ground duringpreparation of the ground by said at least two ground working devices ofthe spot-cultivation system prior to planting seedling plants.
 14. Aspot-cultivation system as claimed in claim 13 wherein said distributingapparatus dispenses plant growth-promoting substances.
 15. Aspot-cultivation system as claimed in claim 14 where the plantgrowth-promoting substances dispensed by the distributing apparatus arefertilisers.
 16. A spot-cultivation system as claimed in claim 14wherein said distributing apparatus comprises driving apparatus androtating apparatus.
 17. A spot-cultivation system as claimed in claim 16wherein said rotating apparatus of said distributing apparatus includesa receptacle for rotation between a loading position and a dispensingposition, and biasing apparatus for effecting rotation of saidreceptacle.
 18. A spot-cultivation system as claimed in claim 17 whereinsaid receptacle of said rotating apparatus includes a tapered recess toreceive growth-promoting substances.
 19. A spot-cultivation system asclaimed in claim 18 claims wherein said tapered recess of saidreceptacle is adapted to receive blocking apparatus for regulating thequantity of growth-promoting substances dispensed from said taperedrecess of said receptacle of said rotating apparatus.
 20. Aspot-cultivation system as claimed in claim 16 wherein said drivingapparatus of said distributing apparatus includes motion-promotingapparatus, motion-transfer apparatus, actuating apparatus and pulleyapparatus.
 21. A spot-cultivation system as claimed in claim 20 whereinsaid motion-promoting apparatus, motion-transfer apparatus, actuatingapparatus and pulley apparatus includes respectively, an electricpowered motor, a straight gear-drive, a manual switch and at least apair of pulleys, all of which operate in conjunction with each other toactivate said rotating apparatus.
 22. A spot-cultivation system asclaimed in claim 1 wherein the spot-cultivation system further comprisesspraying apparatus.
 23. A spot-cultivation system as claimed in claim 22wherein said spraying apparatus is for spraying growth-inhibiting fluidsaround and onto each defined area of ground prepared by saidspot-cultivation system.
 24. A spot-cultivation system as claimed inclaim 23 wherein the growth-inhibiting fluids dispensed by said sprayingapparatus are herbicides.
 25. A spot-cultivation system as claimed inclaim 1 wherein the spot-cultivation system further comprisesmaneuvering apparatus and operating apparatus for activating saidripping apparatus, rake-mounding apparatus, and a distributing apparatusand a spraying apparatus.
 26. A spot-cultivation system as claimed inclaim 25 wherein said maneuvering apparatus includes hydraulic rams,chain or belt drives and pivoting systems.
 27. A spot-cultivation systemas claimed in claim 26 wherein said operating apparatus includes motors,hydraulic systems, electrical circuitry and pumping systems.
 28. Amethod of spot-cultivation of a confined area of ground prior toplanting seedling plants comprising:using a spot-cultivation systemwhich includes an accessory for spot-cultivation, and attachmentapparatus for attaching the accessory in use to a stationary vehicle,the accessory including distributing apparatus and spraying apparatus,and at least two ground working devices held in a fixed spatialrelationship to each other, wherein one of the ground working devicescomprises a ripping apparatus and the second ground working devicecomprises rake-mounding apparatus, and wherein the rake-moundingapparatus in turn comprises at least one set of one or more rakingtynes, and a set of one or more mounding tynes, and wherein the rakingtynes extend in a different direction relative to the mounding tynes,the arrangement being that all the apparata are included in the onespot-cultivation system, and keeping the vehicle to which the accessoryfor spot-cultivation is attached stationary while the ground workingdevices cultivate the ground at a spot defined by the fixed spatialrelationship of the ground working devices.
 29. A method ofspot-cultivation using a spot-cultivation system as claimed in claim 28wherein the fixed spatial relationship of the ground-working devicesenables the ground-working devices to work in sequence or in unison witheach other to prepare the ground at a defined spot.
 30. A method ofspot-cultivation as claimed in claim 29 wherein the fixed spatialrelationship of the ground-working devices of the accessory forspot-cultivation ensures there is consistency in the preparation ofevery independent spot-cultivated defined spot.